The St. Louis Zoo presents a wonderful work environment filled with friendly people who are willing to lend a hand. They allow flexibility in the work environment and management is generally friendly. On top of all that, you get to see some of the world's most exotic animals on a daily basis.

Cons

The hours at the Zoo can be challenging. Shifts can start as early as 5 am and weekends and holidays are required (animals are a 24/7/365 ordeal). People frequently think they will get to play with animals, but in fact you only watch the animals. No close contact is allowed and people are fired for touching the animals (unless its in their job description).

Advice to Management

Senior management generally does a pretty good job of managing resources. The one aspect that can be frustrating is that sometimes management puts a premium on making money and not on animal welfare-for example summer concerts held at the zoo.